Select the statements that are CORRECT regarding patterns of biodiversity.
(A) and (E) only
(B) and (C) only
(B) and (D) only
(C) ,(D) and (E) only
The correct option is(C): (B) and (D) only.
(A) Species diversity does not necessarily increase as we move away from the equator towards the poles. The pattern of species diversity can vary depending on various factors such as habitat type, climate, and historical factors.
(B) The tropical Amazon rainforest in South America is known for having one of the greatest biodiversity's on Earth. It is home to an incredibly rich variety of plant and animal species.
(C) This statement is not correct. The tropics generally receive more solar energy compared to the temperate regions. The higher solar energy input in the tropics contributes to the warm climate and supports high levels of productivity, which in turn can support high biodiversity.
(D) This statement is correct. Tropical environments typically experience less seasonality compared to temperate regions. They have relatively stable and consistent climatic conditions throughout the year, which can provide a more predictable environment for species and contribute to the higher biodiversity observed in tropical regions.
Among ‘The Evil Quartet’, which one is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species?
The term ‘biodiversity’ is derived from the two words- ‘bios' which means life and ‘diversity’ i.e, differentiation or variation. Edward Wilson, the sociobiologist was the first to popularise the term ‘biodiversity’ in the year 1992. The term implies the occurrence of various plants and animals along with their variants such as biotypes, ecotypes and genes on earth. In our biosphere, the immense diversity or heterogeneity remains not only at the species level but also, at every level of biological organization that ranges from macromolecules in the cells to biomes.
Biodiversity and Conservation is a topic covered under the fifteenth chapter and Unit 5 of NCERT class 12 biology.